Federico Staksrud Ends Ben Johns’ Reign: Federico Staksrud has officially dethroned Ben Johns as the No. 1 pickleball player in the world. His rapid rise to the top marks a major shift in professional pickleball, ending Johns’ long reign as the sport’s most dominant player.
Staksrud’s Journey to the Top
Originally from Argentina, Staksrud had a strong background in tennis before transitioning to pickleball. His tennis experience gave him excellent footwork, shot control, and court awareness. Over the years, he refined his game, blending power and precision with quick reflexes at the net.
His breakthrough came in 2023 when he began consistently defeating Johns in major tournaments. One of his most significant wins was at the US Open Pickleball Championships, where he beat Johns in a thrilling three-game final. This victory solidified his status as a serious contender and signaled a shift in the sport’s power rankings.

Key to His Success
Staksrud’s rise to No. 1 is the result of relentless hard work and adaptability. While Johns was known for his consistency and precision, Staksrud brought a new level of intensity, combining aggressive drives with strategic dinking.
His ability to control the pace of matches and disrupt his opponents’ rhythm has made him a formidable competitor.
A New Era in Pickleball
Staksrud’s success has energized the pickleball community, inspiring fans and players. His journey is proof that hard work and persistence can lead to greatness.
While Ben Johns remains one of the sport’s all-time greats, Staksrud’s achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter in professional pickleball.
News in Brief: Federico Staksrud Ends Ben Johns’ Reign
Federico Staksrud has officially dethroned Ben Johns as the world’s No. 1 pickleball player, marking a major shift in the sport.
Originally a tennis player from Argentina, Staksrud’s rapid rise came through relentless work, aggressive play, and key wins, including a US Open victory over Johns. His dominance signals a new era in professional pickleball.
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